Appointment of Virendra Sharma as Chairman of World Book of Records
World Book of Records announced on Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 12:53:39 GMT that Virendra Sharma, a distinguished veteran leader and five‑time elected Member of Parliament, has taken over as Chairman of the organisation in the United Kingdom. Sharma represented the Ealing Southall constituency in the UK Parliament from July 2007 until May 2024 as a Labour Party MP, winning the by‑election in 2007 and securing re‑election on four subsequent occasions, amounting to more than 16 years of parliamentary service.
Prior to his parliamentary career, Sharma served approximately 25 years as a councillor in the London Borough of Ealing, including a tenure as Mayor, and acted as Patron of World Book of Records for the past ten years, providing guidance and institutional support. Born in Mandhali, Punjab, India, he migrated to the United Kingdom in 1968, began his UK working life as a bus conductor, became active in the trade‑union movement, and pursued further studies at the London School of Economics through a trade‑union scholarship.
Under the leadership of Founder and Chief Executive Officer Santosh Shukla, World Book of Records continues to broaden its international presence through recognition programmes, global summits and award ceremonies that celebrate excellence in education, healthcare, culture, social service, public administration and other domains. Sharma’s appointment is expected to reinforce the organisation’s vision of connecting achievers, distinguished personalities and institutions across countries and continents, leveraging his extensive experience in public administration, international engagement and community service.
The press release also notes Sharma’s involvement with the Bharat Kirtiman Alankaran initiative, associated with World Book of Records and Iudex International. A disclaimer states that the release is provided under an arrangement with NRDPL and that PTI assumes no editorial responsibility.